Nanotechnology Makes a Mega-Leap

Chemical "ribbons" are tiny, but they hold great promise, and scientist from the University of Texas at Dallas have spun yards of chemical ribbons that are light as a feather, but stronger than steel. This is a wildly important development in the rapidly evolving field of nanotechnology.

This development might lead to ultra-light, ultra-strong car doors that double as solar energy collectors. They could lead to fabrics that would be bullet-proof yet stylish and lightweight. (I used to break the rules all the time and take my vest off as soon as I was out of sight of the brass during hot weather. Every medic did the same thing, even though we were targeted in gang wars.)

Since these chemical ribbons are carbon, they are organic. This is where their greatest, most exciting potential lays...They have been used to successfully treat a small number of children who have been burned, sparing them the pain of skin grafts and scarring. This is exciting news. I have participated in the care of a few burned children, and anything that could ease their suffering and pain is a worthwhile venture. Let's hope this research bears fruit.